The rate of water exhaustion of aquifers is proceeding so fast in Yemen that no other capital city faces the dire prospect of running out of water within the next decade, say experts in Yemen's ministry of water and environment, according to the daily Yemen Observer. The experts warned that the water crisis is not only creating economic problems, but that it is also opening the door to tribal clashes, as is already happening nowadays.

A World Bank study of early April 2006 revealed that Yemen has no active corporations for managing water shortages at an international level despite its looming “extreme” water crisis. According to the study, water shortage might force people to leave their homes.

Source: Yemen Observer/ The Media Line, 13 Apr. 2006

Tags: governance, water resources management